What began my journey

3 Years ago I had a friend that got me thinking about my life and the way i wanted to live it.. Please read the letter from my friend and get encouragement from it as I did: Bravo! You know, nineteen months ago, I was standing on the edge of this same cliff, weighing 360 pounds, in constant physical pain, and utterly miserable. My life, and my enjoyment of it, had narrowed down to a pin ***** of light and options. It was as though I'd had an epiphany. I had "played around" with the concept of losing weight for months...it was obvious that was needed to save my life from the ruin I had caused, but how? How could I possibly begin what I knew was going to be a long journey? Could I trust myself suddenly? I hadn't been able to for years. I thought, I pondered, I sobbed for months. Finally, a friend sent me a picture that she had taken of me (from the rear no less) while we were camping, and I just had to sit back and acknowledge that this was me. That morbidly obese woman in the picture was ME. It made me project what life would be for me in the future. I knew that if I continued the way I was living, I would only grow larger, and would lose my life regardless of whether my body died or not. I was bound for a wheel chair, heart attack, diabetes, or stroke, and more misery and isolation was guaranteed. It was then that I rememebred that I held the key to my prison cell of fat, of hopelessness, of darkness. I realized that I had to make a choice to go forward or backward. I had to make a choice. I started by quitting drinking, and beginning to cook large batches of tasty, healty foods for myself and freezing them, so I would always have what I needed (my tools) on hand. I did not say a word to anyone in my life...it was my secret, a committment that I made with myself to save MY life. The first week was full of starts and stops, and I had many doubts that I could do this. But all along, I just remembered that picture, and focused on the fact that I was responsible for creating the next years of my life. I knew I wanted out of my prison cell...I knew I was desperate to feel alive and free again. After losing my first 40 pounds, I began to exercise. At first it was very difficult. I hadn't really moved in years! But it made all the difference in the world for me mentally, and before long, it wasn't so difficult. It actually felt good. My body responded by becoming more flexible and strong, and within a month it just became a part of my daily life. Exercising had a big influence on my eating, because I began to equate the food with the amount of exercise required to burn it off. I have held the image of me at the edge of the cliff, staring at the two possible futures ever since, and have lost 176 pounds to date. I stand before you a woman who is no different than you. I am just creating my after picture. I just kept going, day after day, holding onto that faith which has grown stronger with the momentum of my actions. I was never a lost cause, though I had convinced myself for years that I was. It CAN happen, and it is worth it. YOU are worth it. I am here to help, I am your friend. Kira WLS SAVED MY LIFE BUT FRIENDS MAKE IT WORTH LIVING!!! Love and best wishes in YOUR Journey!! Linda

Thanks for sharing Linda! Wiping a tear as I type. Jaimee

What an amazing story...it all sounds SO FAMILIAR!!! Thanks for sharing that, somtimes we don't think in those terms, and it's nice to have eye openers...it helps to get up motivated again!!! "HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" ~~~Best wishes on your continued success!!!~~~Shari

Linda, What a story...hope all goes well w/ your upcoming surgery. We spoke sometime back....(I'm Vickie from Spencer). As of today...I am down 95lbs(surgery date 10/05/05) and loving life. Best wishes.....

Thank you for sharing....Melissa

Linda, Wow, I really related to this story. Thanks for sharing it with us. You are such a dear person, & I know that God has good things in store for you(like riding your Harley!) ((((HUGS)))) Ellen